This time of year my skin gets very sad and dry.  The weather sucks all the moisture out of my skin, and it’s left thirsty and needing lotion every day.  When I was recently sent Lavanila’s new Body Butter to try for the site, I was absolutely thrilled. I’ve always been a fan of Lavanila’s scents, and to have it in a Body Butter is a major bonus!

I tried the Vanilla Lavender, and it’s such a wonderful body butter (and I’ve tried a lot). It goes on smooth, and dries completely – not leaving your skin greasy.  It softens my skin – and makes it feel healthy and nourished all day.  The scent is strong, but not overpowering in the least. It’s a beautiful, soft smell – that works all day long!

THINK: The healthiest butters on earth.

WHAT THEY ARE: Skin food. They’ve already made your fragrance ritual a healthy one. Now Lavanila is turning its attention to your moisturizing routine by introducing a new line of 100% natural Body Butters, deeply nourishing, non-greasy formulas packed with some of the most skin beneficial, anti-oxidant rich vitamins and minerals on earth and lightly scented with the natural Lavanila fragrances you can’t get enough of.

Unlike traditional fragranced body butters and lotions, The Healthy Body Butter uses an advanced, restorative formula made with 100% natural ingredients and survival molecules to lock in a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals. Blending skin-soothing botanicals and powerful anti-oxidants with the purity of Lavanila’s signature fragrances, this non-greasy, instantly absorbed formula melts into skin for luxurious hydration and softly scented nourishment.

The Body Butters are available in each of the five Lavanila scents, all of which are formulated with 100% natural ingredients such as skin-soothing pure essential oils, fresh fruit extracts and botanicals. The scents include:

Pure Vanilla – The perfect vanilla. More vanilla bean than vanilla cookie, this superbly clean scent is a must have for any vanilla addict. Contains notes of: Madagascar vanilla, freesia, heliotrope and vanilla orchid.
Vanilla Grapefruit – An uplifting citrus. Sweetly seductive and kissed by sunshine, this unusually crisp fragrance is destined to become a cult classic. Contains notes of: grapefruit, lime, bergamot, orange, cedarwood, heliotrope and Madagascar vanilla.
Vanilla Blossom – A wild floral bouquet. Dangerously seductive, this flirtatious floral is unexpectedly clean and sophisticated. Contains notes of: crushed orange blossom, rose, jasmine, karo karounde petals, nutmeg, osmanthus, lemon and Madagascar vanilla.
Vanilla Coconut – Paradise found. Careful and tropical, this exotic blend transports you to an island of healthy delights. Contains notes of: fresh coconut oil, tiare flower and Madagascar vanilla.
Vanilla Lavender – A clean, romantic blend. Peaceful and serene, an oasis of tranquility awaits. Contains notes of Spanish lavender, rose absolute, violet leaf and Madagascar vanilla.

$25.00 – BUY IT HERE!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Crabtree & Evelyn launches NEW CITRON, HONEY & CORIANDER HAND THERAPY COLLECTION of naturally based hand creams, washes and treatments specifically formulated to help hands preserve their youthful appearance. Drawing on a rich botanical heritage, the range features extracts of lemon, coriander and honey – known to soothe dry, irritated skin – as well as myrrh, which has been shown to help condition nails and cuticles. In addition, a unique blend, including thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, golden seal, and willow bark, works together in the rich formulations to leave hands feeling softer and looking younger. The range is free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol.

My hands and my face suffer the most when the weather changes. My hands seem like they’re always dry! When I received these new products I about did a back flip. I was so excited to try these products, and they totally exceeded my expectations! They are amazing! They have completely transformed my hands! They are so soft, and the results are visible! My hands will never be the same! I’m totally addicted!

NEW CITRON HONEY & CORIANDER HAND REMEDY helps reduce the visible signs of aging and leaves hands feeling soft and smooth with a more youthful appearance. In consumer tests, 92% of women who tried the product felt that Hand Remedy left their hands feeling more supple.

Blending the best of nature and science, NEW REJUVENATING HAND REMEDY absorbs into the skin with naturally derived sugar and pea extracts to help even out skin tone and a peptide blend that has been shown to visually plump and improve skin suppleness. Our age defying formula contains a unique time released capsule, including known antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and Tocotrienol) which have been found to minimize the damaging effects caused by free radicals. In addition, botanical extracts of lemon, honey, and coriander as well as a custom blend of natural butter and oils – shea butter, soy, sweet almond and jojoba oils – have been added to moisturise. Free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol.

Ritual: Apply liberally to hands each night or when additional care is needed to help reveal softer, younger-looking hands. (3.4 FL OZ/$24.00)

NEW CITRON HONEY & CORIANDER HAND RECOVERY differs from other products on the market because it leaves hands feeling noticeably softer and smoother immediately! Awarded a British patent, the revolutionary formulation contains three sizes of natural exfoliators – fine pumice and two sizes of salt crystals – which polish and retexturise the surface of hands. In addition, botanical extracts of lemon, honey, and coriander, along with a blend of nine emollients, including over 35% Macadamia Nut Oil, Palm and Shea Butters, help condition even the driest of hands. Free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol.

Ritual: Use 2-3 times a week. Apply while hands are dry. Massage into hands, front and back, to distribute evenly. Rinse with water. (3.5 OZ/$20.00)

More awesome products after the jump! Keep Reading More »

Popularity: 5% [?]

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

A cult favorite for decades, the Japanese beauty brand’s gentle cleansing oil gets a bright new look with limited-edition “Tokyo Kamon Girls” bottles designed in collaboration with manga artist Moyoca Anno, from $65.

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Sephora Fame Glosses

The long-awaited remake of the ’80s classic might not be hitting theaters until Sept. 25 – but Sephora lets you feed your need for Fame with limited-edition glosses in five rising star-worthy shades, $10 each.

Popularity: 6% [?]

With steamy weather finally upon us, and lots of skin on the fashion forefront,
Master Barber for King of Shaves, Diane Wood offers women tricks to achieving
their smoothest shave ever!

Shave at Night: Shaving removes dead skin cells and the superficial layer of the epidermis reducing skin’s defenses. Try shaving in the evening to avoid exposing weakened skin to external elements.

Do it in the Shower: Warm, wet hair is three times easier to shave than dry. Therefore, try to shave during a shower, thoroughly wetting hair with warm water for at least three minutes. Also try to exfoliate skin before shaving to prevent in-grown hairs.

Use a Low Foam Formula Shaving Gel: Opt for a low foam gel such as King of Shaves Woman rather than foamy gels or plain soap and water which can rob skin of moisture, leaving it dry and irritated.

For the Smoothest Stems: Start at the ankles and shave upwards. Shave from the bottom of the ankle, gently gliding the blade up the leg, in one smooth stroke. Take extra care and shave slowly when shaving areas where bone is close to the skin surface, such as ankles and knees.

Be Flexible: Remember to flex the heel to stretch the skin while shaving to avoid nicks and cuts that often occur behind the ankle.

Bikini Babe: Follow the natural direction of hair growth to prevent irritation, particularly in the bikini area. Do not press too hard; let the blade do the work.

Up in Arms: Underarm hair grows in different directions; thus one must shave up, down and across. To prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, pull skin tight with one hand, while shaving with the other. Re-apply shaving gel regularly.

Post-Shave: Thoroughly rinse any remaining gel from skin. Avoid exposing skin to any potential irritants (i.e. lotions, fragrance or salt water) for an hour to allow skin’s pores to close.

All King of Shaves Woman products are available at retailers nationwide, including selected Target stores.  To learn more about King of Shaves Woman, visit www.shave.com.

Popularity: 7% [?]

I love the new Pink Grapefruit scent from Tillia Beauty, an authentic Pink Grapefruit smell it has the perfect balance of sweet and citrus. The body lotion is super emollient and absorbs quickly leaving my skin smooth and smelling delicious.

The Pink Grapefruit sugar scrub is just in time for dry summer skin. It painlessly exfoliates my skin leaving it buffed and beautiful!

A little sour and a little sweet, this fruit has the perfect combination of yin and yang that will titillate your senses and wake up your mind! Formulated with the luscious aroma of pink grapefruit the NEW! Tillia Pink Grapefruit collection is the perfect summer time bath collection.

The aroma of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit combined with Italian lime and warm woods creates this engaging scent.

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Relax after a day in sun with the Tillia Bubble Bath ($20); Exfoliate dry skin with the Tillia Sugar Scrub ($18); Deeply hydrate parched summer skin with Tillia Body Butter ($16) or Tillia Body Lotion ($14); Cleanse and moisturize delicate hands with the Tillia Hand Wash ($12)

Tillia products are available at Tilliabeauty.com

Popularity: 6% [?]

My perspiration during summer is out of control. Any stay-dry tips?

Whether you’re experiencing makeup meltdown, underarm wetness, foot odor—or all three, overactive sweat glands can definitely cramp your summer style. The good news is there are ways to combat hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive perspiration) and cope better with it.

Stay Cool on the Go
While it’s commonly believed that sweating helps detoxify your body, the truth is that sweat contains few toxins. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, the liver and kidneys—not the sweat glands—are what filter toxins from the blood; sweat simply serves to cool you down when you overheat. With this in mind, be prepared the next time you’re invited to an outdoor fete: Pack your purse with gentle facial cleansing wipes (the compact ones by Simple are easy to tuck away), cool-to-the-touch cream (Lumene’s miniature Time Freeze Instant Cooling Eye Stick is ultrarefreshing), and travel sized Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray (bonus: It makes your makeup stay on longer). Another tip: Before popping open your ice-cold can of soda, hold it to the back of your neck for a quick cool-down.

Sweatproof Your Makeup
While supermatte ’90s-inspired skin is in for fall, during summer a little shine is actually chic. (So don’t blot away with oil-absorbing sheets the second you feel moisture poking through!) That said, Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens are a godsend. You should also never underestimate the power of a good makeup base. To keep brow sweat at bay, use makeup that allows your skin to breathe while keeping it shine-free: Start by using a water-based oil-absorbing primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Light and follow with a similarly absorbent powder foundation such as Make Up For Ever Duo Mat. And when it comes to your eyes, opt for powder shadow and waterproof mascara and liner. Plan on being outside during prime sweat time (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)? Nothing beats liquid liner.

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Watch Your Diet
Caffeine and nicotine have both been linked to excessive sweating so instead of reaching for coffee or cigarettes, your best bet is to grab a glass of water and carrot sticks. While water helps hydrate and regulate body temperature, fruits and veggies are healthier alternatives to processed foods (particularly those with lots of sugar) which, incidentally, have also been shown to stimulate sweat glands.

Amp Up Your Antiperspirant
Many drugstore brands—Dove, Secret, Degree—have released “clinical strength” antiperspirant formulas, but if these don’t work for you, consider talking to your doctor about a prescription version. Over-the-counter options like Drysol, Saldrize, and Certain Dry may help and can be used on the soles of feet as well if products such as Avon Footworks Deodorizing Foot Powder don’t do the trick. Prescription oral medications such as oxybutynin and glycopyrrolate are another option but are typically considered a last resort, as they can be accompanied by serious side effects that include drowsiness, visual impairment, and dryness of the mouth.

Try Red Carpet Treatment
If you’ve exhausted over-the-counter antiperspirants to no avail, you may consider doing what many Hollywood starlets are rumored to do: Get Botox injections in your underarms and/or feet. In July 2004, the FDA approved Botox for hyperhidrosis that can’t be resolved with topical treatments; by blocking the release of a chemical in the nervous system responsible for triggering the sweat glands, Botox can temporarily reduce perspiration in the area that’s been injected. Results usually last for up to six months.

Elle Magazine

Popularity: 5% [?]

Here are some easy tips from dermatologists that’ll prevent your pits from becoming totally offensive when it’s a zillion degrees outside, courtesy of Andrea Lavinthal for Cosmopolitan:

1. Wash your underarm area with a benzoyl peroxide face cleaner. It’ll kill odor-causing bacteria, says Los Angeles derm Ava Shamban.

2. Wipe down the entire area with cotton pads that have been soaked in a toner like Olay Refreshing Toner. The alcohol evaporates immediately, so you feel cooler, plus it minimizes any unpleasant aroma, says Dr. Shamban.

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3. Brew a superstrong batch of black tea, but instead of drinking it, pour it over a washcloth, let it cool, and then place the compress under each arm for five minutes. Do this every night for two weeks and the tannic acid in the tea will permanently reduce your sweat production, says Darrell S. Rigel, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at NYU Medical Center.

4. Upgrade your regular antiperspirant to one of the new prescription-strength formulas. Dove Clinical Protection and Secret Clinical Strength won’t irritate your skin.

Popularity: 5% [?]